Ten horses booked into this day and even though it was the only wet day during weeks of dry weather even the spectators didn’t grumble. Many thanks to Andrea Ware for hosting the clinic and keeping everyone supplied with hot drinks and pasties. Four young horses started off with an in-hand session. They and their handlers worked on halter and showmanship skills as well as ridden preparation with circling and moving forehand and hindquarters correctly.
Bob's a master at spotting the underlying problem with a horse and rider and then giving just the advice needed. Everyone worked hard in the ridden sessions through a huge variety of exercises that left all the horses lighter and more responsive. Thanks to all those who supported the day including riders Lucy and Emily Turmaine (who hacked there and back in the rain) Jean Villiers, Roger Harris, Jeanette Jones, Andrea Ware, Anne Webster, Judith Hubbard and also to Di Wilson who was sadly unable to attend.
So, after all the planning and preparation, come 17th March we were all set for a day and a half of lessons with Bob at the Grange EC in Okehampton. We had 15 horses and 12 riders booked in and were all looking forward to learning from Bob and enjoying his pearls of wisdom. We were really looking forward to meeting some new fellow-western enthusiasts. It was also great to welcome spectators, on both days, who were new to western and had come along to find out more.
[Pictured above: Chris Keeble on Whiz, Lou Talintyre on Copy, Sarah Davies on Jac and Judith Hubbard on Woody]
Over the two days riders worked through a range of very interesting and useful exercises, and Bob emphasised the importance of correct circles. Riders worked on direct and indirect bend, moving in and out of the circle and developing feel for when the horse falls in. Once Bob had assessed each horse and rider individually he worked everyone on the rail (western speak for the track) this gave him the oportunity to watch how each rider set up their horses for leg yielding, travers, renvers and backing. Emphasis was placed on the riders position. Lots of spectators commented on how interesting it was to see a range of horses, from recently backed youngsters to experienced show horses. They all worked well in groups covering transitions, two-tracking, travers and lope circles.
[Pictured above: Chris Keeble on Whiz]
Over the various sessions everyone concentrated on their positions, especially when riding circles, and particularly on not dropping their inside shoulders. Some of the more advanced horses also went on to lead-change exercises. This was interesting for everyone to watch and showed how important it is to understand the building blocks you need to put in place before you ask your horse for the more advanced manoeuvres. At the end of the clinic all went home to continue improving their horse’s suppleness and focus on thoroughly establishing the fundamentals of western training.To sum it all up – we had a great time and are all set for the next session in June. [Pictured to the right is Judith Hubbard on Sparky]
[Pictured to the left is Andrea Ware on Toby, with Chris Keeble on Whiz in the background. And Bob of course!]
Pictured above: Lydia Wesley on Arthur
Pictured above: Jeanette Jones on Indy and Judith Hubbard on Skooter
Many of us who live in rural communities, and especially those of us who ride, really appreciate the work done for us by the Air Ambulance Trust. It takes £4 million every year to keep the service in the air, so donations from the public are an absolutely crucial source of funding. With that in mind we decided to organise an equestrian themed quiz to raise some funds for them.
From the outset we had fantastic support from Dave and Judy Reddan and family at The Grange EC in Okehampton. We were also offered sponsorship by Tredown Landrovers, Bill Lomas, Mel Betts and Tim Neale. This generosity made a huge difference and helped us to promote the event widely, with the result that on the night we'd sold all available tables!
So as the evening began, twelve teams settled down to tackle ten rounds of questions and enjoy the light refreshments provided to sustain them.
By the end of the evening it was the "Tottering Totties" who secured victory! The cleverly named "Three Jumpers and a Dress" won the prize for the best/funniest name. But most importantly we raised the staggering amount of £450 for the Trust. We were delighted to receive a lovely thank you letter which is now proudly displayed at The Grange EC.
Well what a way to kick off the 2010 season! This was our first event and we're really delighted that it was so well supported. Our thanks go, of course, to Andrea (pictured left) for hosting this event at her home in Northlew. Thanks too to Chris, her husband and our good friend. Between them they kept us fed and watered all evening and gave us the opportunity to enjoy a lovely time amongst friends and fellow western enthusiasts.
Nine WES members attended and watched various western videos provided by Andrea and Judith. We really made the most of the opportunity to chat about western riding in Devon (and Cornwall) and about how things may develop in the future. There's no doubt that WES has a major role to play and it was very useful to get a range of perspectives and opinions, and some great ideas for future events. We're all really pleased to see how numbers are already starting to grow, which bodes very well for the future. Needless to say everyone agreed that we should get together more often and have fun in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere where we can have a good laugh and learn at the same time.
Watching the videos was fascinating and in many ways emphasised just how many different disciplines fall within the description of "western riding". Our main focus was on videos covering typical WES classes, i.e:
western pleasure;
western trail; and
reining.
But we also enjoyed watching a DVD about training for cutting and reined cow-horse competition.
And did I mention the food? Boy were we well looked after! There's something very special about being invited into someone's home to enjoy a meal together, and we really do appreciate the hospitality extended to us by Andrea and Chris. We settled down to enjoy some lovely home-made chilli and delicious cakes. Judith (Hubbard) had also made her famous brownies - which she usually doesn't share - so we made the most of the opportunity to feast on what was on offer! Check out the cakes below...
OK - so I know it's really quite sad to take pictures of cakes - but if you were faced with brownies (to the left), lemon cake and a Cornish fruit loaf (to the right) how would YOU choose?
By the end of the evening we were all feeling really excited about the year ahead and the opportunities we'll have to get together again and also to meet new people. If there's anyone reading this who wants to come along to the next event, remember that you don't have to be a WES member to enjoy the social gatherings. Just get in touch and come along!
Ten horses booked into this day and even though it was the only wet day during weeks of dry weather even the spectators didn’t grumble. Many thanks to Andrea Ware for hosting the clinic and keeping everyone supplied with hot drinks and pasties. Four young horses started off with an in-hand session. They and their handlers worked on halter and showmanship skills as well as ridden preparation with circling and moving forehand and hindquarters correctly. 
Bob's a master at spotting the underlying problem with a horse and rider and then giving just the advice needed. Everyone worked hard in the ridden sessions through a huge variety of exercises that left all the horses lighter and more responsive. Thanks to all those who supported the day including riders Lucy and Emily Turmaine (who hacked there and back in the rain) Jean Villiers, Roger Harris, Jeanette Jones, Andrea Ware, Anne Webster, Judith Hubbard and also to Di Wilson who was sadly unable to attend. 
So, after all the planning and preparation, come 17th March we were all set for a day and a half of lessons with Bob at the Grange EC in Okehampton. We had 15 horses and 12 riders booked in and were all looking forward to learning from Bob and enjoying his pearls of wisdom. We were really looking forward to meeting some new fellow-western enthusiasts. It was also great to welcome spectators, on both days, who were new to western and had come along to find out more.
Over the two days riders worked through a range of very interesting and useful exercises, and Bob emphasised the importance of correct circles. Riders worked on direct and indirect bend, moving in and out of the circle and developing feel for when the horse falls in. Once Bob had assessed each horse and rider individually he worked everyone on the rail (western speak for the track) this gave him the oportunity to watch how each rider set up their horses for leg yielding, travers, renvers and backing. Emphasis was placed on the riders position. Lots of spectators commented on how interesting it was to see a range of horses, from recently backed youngsters to experienced show horses. They all worked well in groups covering transitions, two-tracking, travers and lope circles.
Over the various sessions everyone concentrated on their positions, especially when riding circles, and particularly on not dropping their inside shoulders. Some of the more advanced horses also went on to lead-change exercises. This was interesting for everyone to watch and showed how important it is to understand the building blocks you need to put in place before you ask your horse for the more advanced manoeuvres. At the end of the clinic all went home to continue improving their horse’s suppleness and focus on thoroughly establishing the fundamentals of western training.To sum it all up – we had a great time and are all set for the next session in June. [Pictured to the right is Judith Hubbard on Sparky]
[Pictured to the left is Andrea Ware on Toby, with Chris Keeble on Whiz in the background. And Bob of course!]
Well what a way to kick off the 2010 season! This was our first event and we're really delighted that it was so well supported. Our thanks go, of course, to Andrea (pictured left) for hosting this event at her home in Northlew. Thanks too to Chris, her husband and our good friend. Between them they kept us fed and watered all evening and gave us the opportunity to enjoy a lovely time amongst friends and fellow western enthusiasts. 
And did I mention the food? Boy were we well looked after! There's something very special about being invited into someone's home to enjoy a meal together, and we really do appreciate the hospitality extended to us by Andrea and Chris. We settled down to enjoy some lovely home-made chilli and delicious cakes. Judith (Hubbard) had also made her famous brownies - which she usually doesn't share - so we made the most of the opportunity to feast on what was on offer! Check out the cakes below...
